Thriller · Spy and espionage
Eye of the Needle
In 1944, a ruthless German agent known as the Needle discovers the truth about the planned D-Day landings and tries to get the news home. British intelligence hunts him, and the chase ends on a remote island.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 1978
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 354
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you like tightly paced Second World War spy thrillers.
Skip this if you want deep characterisation or a morally gentle story.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about Eye of the Needle
- What is Eye of the Needle about?
- In 1944, a ruthless German agent known as the Needle discovers the truth about the planned D-Day landings and tries to get the news home. British intelligence hunts him, and the chase ends on a remote island.
- Who should read Eye of the Needle?
- Read it if you like tightly paced Second World War spy thrillers. Skip it if you want deep characterisation or a morally gentle story.
- How long and how fast is Eye of the Needle?
- It is a fast-paced, medium read of about 354 pages, first published in 1978.
- Does Eye of the Needle have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, Death.
- Can I borrow Eye of the Needle for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Eye of the Needle; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Bookshop.org | Check price | Buy new from Bookshop.org |
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
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| Audiobook | ||
| Libro.fm | Check price | Buy audiobook from Libro.fm |
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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